Driving to the Alps for a ski holiday? Here’s what you need to know

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You’ve washed those musty long johns, crammed all your skiing gear into the car, topped up the antifreeze and finally remembered where you put the kids’ passports. You’re all set to make that long drive across Europe, but will you be following the rules of the road?

The half-term break is a peak time for family holidays, and more and more Britons will be crossing the continent on their way to the slopes. But it turns out only five out of 10 drivers check the highway code of the countries they’re driving through, according to research from Goodyear. What’s more, one in 10 believes that regulations are the same everywhere.

Whether you’re stopping in France, Austria, Switzerland or Italy or you’re just passing through, checking you’ve got the right tyres should be one of the points on your holiday planning list. It’s not just a question of safety – fines are often issued to motorists who aren’t prepared for bad weather.

“Before drivers head off, we advise they familiarise themselves with the rules of the road, prepare themselves for wintery road conditions and ensure they have all the correct documents, including insurance and European breakdown cover,” says Kate Rock, PR and corporate communications manager at Goodyear.

“Several changes have been made to driving laws across Europe over the past few years, so it’s essential for motorists to ensure they not only have all the compulsory or recommended equipment, but that their tyres also comply with European legislation, which can differ from country to country.” A detailed guide to the laws in each country can be found on the AA’s website.

The idea of driving to the Alps might sound like a more daunting prospect by the minute, but there are definite advantages – as well as saving money, it gives you the chance to stock up on food for a self-catering holiday, or listen to the Frozen soundtrack as a family for the 500th time as you thread your way through snowy mountain passes. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even forgo chalet living altogether and embark on a road trip in a campervan.

Still, whatever your plans are, it should go without saying that driving safely and sensibly is especially important in the mountains, due to the combination of wintry conditions and narrow, winding roads. Besides serious accidents, there are other ways to come a cropper – just look at the motorist whose car ended up stranded on a ski slope in Austria after he put too much faith in his satnav.